Alphabetical Plant Listing

Asclepias fascicularis (Narrowleaf Milkweed)

Narrowleaf Milkweed, Narrow Leaf Milkweed, Mexican Whorled Milkweed


Asclepias fascicularis (Narrowleaf Milkweed) is a flowering perennial boasting attractive clusters, 4-5 in. across (10-12 cm), of lavender and white, starry flowers from early summer to fall. Flowers are a great source of nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects. The blooms occur on upright thin stems clad with long, narrow, pointed leaves. They give way to smooth seed pods in the fall, which look great in dried flower arrangements. When the seed pods open, they reveal seeds with long, silvery-white, silky hairs. Adaptable to high or low water, heat, and all types of soils (including clay), this is one of the easiest and fastest milkweeds to establish - A great choice for the flower garden and for natural settings. Milkweed plants are critical to monarch butterflies' survival, whose population in North America has plummeted by 90% in the last 20 years. By planting milkweed in your own garden, you can help reverse the fortune of these beautiful insects!

  • Grows up to 1-3 ft. tall (30-90 cm) and 12 in. wide (30 cm). May self-seed if seed pods are not removed prior to splitting open.
  • Thrives in full sun in dry to medium well-drained soils. Does well in poor, dry, gravelly soils. Drought tolerant.
  • Low maintenance, this perennial plant is generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
  • Perfect for sunny borders, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, and prairies or naturalized areas.
  • Milkweeds contain cardiac glycosides, naturally occurring drugs that increase the force of heart contraction and have been used to treat heart conditions. The cardiac glycosides are potentially poisonous to humans. But they pose the most danger to grazing animals. However, it should be noted that not all milkweed species are equally toxic. Among the most toxic are Asclepias labriformis (Labriform Milkweed), Asclepias subverticillata (Western Whorled Milkweed), Asclepias eriocarpa (Woolypod Milkweed) and Asclepias fascicularis (Mexican Whorled Milkweed).
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Native to North America

Milkweed: How To Grow and Care with Success

By providing the right growing conditions, you can enjoy healthy and vibrant milkweed in your garden while supporting pollinator populations.Read More

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Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 10
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asclepias
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 9" – 1' (22cm – 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Southwest, Nevada
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 6 – 10
Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Asclepias
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 9" – 1' (22cm – 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Southwest, Nevada
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Asclepias

Guides with Asclepias

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